Bettor.com’s Prediction of Arsenal starting eleven against West Ham United
Arsenal will meet West Ham United later today in what could be another thrilling, goal fuelled match. Arsene Wenger’s men have returned to form after their consecutive Premier League losses to West Bromwich Albion and Chelsea while four consecutive wins
in all competitions.
West Ham United reinstated confidence into themselves and fans, after a 3-1 win over the championship side midweek in the League Cup.
However, Hammers haven't succeeded in the Barclays Premier League since last month and boast a mere one win from five away games this season.
With the London derby being staged at Emirates against a near full strength and in-form Arsenal team, Avram Grant’s men will have their work cut out. Arsenal will need to ensure that they maintain a winning mind-set as their fans have already had to endure
a loss at home to the newly promoted WBA.
With a number of players returning from injures, Arsenal's manager will have some selection issues, considering 14 of his players featured midweek against the Magpies.
Goalkeeper:
Arsenal’s veteran goalie, Manuel Almunia is still nursing an elbow injury suffered last month against West Bromwich Albion. Since then, Almunia has not featured in any Arsenal match and will surely miss against West Ham United.
However, this comes as no hardship as his deputy Lukasz Fabianski has been in fine form and many believe that Fabianski has already overtaken his senior in the pecking order at Emirates.
Boom youngster, Wojciech Szczensy, who impressed greatly during Carling Cup match midweek, will return to the bench.
Defenders:
Arsenal’s defensive leader, Thomas Vermaelen is still out with a niggling Achilles injury and is expected to be back in action next month.
While on the other hand, Arsenal's new signing; Laurent Koscielny made a successful return from his injury against Newcastle United in the Carling Cup and delivered an assured presentation in the central defence.
Moreover, the imposing Swiss of Arsenal, Johan Djourou has featured in the last four matches and is due for a deserved break. Sebastien Squillaci will replace Djourou to partner Koscielny in the heart of defence.
As usual, Bacary Sagna will start on the right of Arsenal defence and Clichy will be given the role of a left back.
Midfielders:
Arsene rested three of his midfield magicians against Newcastle United during midweek’s clash. Cesc Fabregas, Alexandre Song and Samir Nasri will now return to the heart of midfield against West Ham United.
All three of them are in massive form and will play an important role if Arsenal are to succeed.
Arsenal’s talismanic skipper Fabregas will feature on the right side of midfield while Samir Nasri will play on the left and Alex Song will again be given defensive midfielder role.
Another imposing midfielder of Arsenal, Abou Diaby is still absent with an ankle injury and will not even feature on bench.
Jack Wilshere is presently serving ban, which he had received after his rigorous tackle on Zigic two weeks ago. Wilshere has one more match left and will not play against West Ham United.
There is always a chance that Samir Nasri may feature as a winger. If that happens, then Arsenal’s young Brazilian starlet Denilson will play in the midfield.
Forwards:
Arsenal’s star striker, Robin van Persie is still suffering from an ankle ligament injury and will surely miss the clash. Persie is expected to be back next month.
Arsenal's another new signing Chamakh will start as a sole centre forward with Theo Walcott or Thomas Rosicky on the right wing and Arshavin on the left.
Moreover, Arsenal's newly returning striker from injury, Nicklas Bendtner can be an impact substitute and along with Carlos Vela, he could feature on the bench.
Tags: